This grilled buffalo shrimp recipe combines the smoky char from the grill with the heat and tang of classic buffalo sauce. It’s easy to prepare, cooks in just minutes, and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Serve it as an appetizer, pile it into tacos, or use it as a protein boost for salads—this spicy shrimp dish is endlessly versatile and always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Butter (melted, for mixing with buffalo sauce)
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)
Celery sticks (optional)
Directions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and have nice grill marks.
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and buffalo sauce.
Remove the shrimp from the grill and immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions, with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes total, including prep and grilling time.
Variations
Buffalo Shrimp Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.
Buffalo Shrimp Salad: Top a green salad with the shrimp, crumbled blue cheese, and ranch dressing.
Extra Spicy: Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo mixture.
Honey Buffalo: Mix in a tablespoon of honey with the buffalo sauce for a sweet heat.
Grilled Lemon Buffalo Shrimp: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling.
What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Use your favorite brand or make a simple version with hot sauce and melted butter.
Can I grill the shrimp without skewers?
Yes, just place them directly on the grill grates, or use a grill basket to make turning easier.
How do I keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is clean and oiled, and don’t move the shrimp too early—they’ll release easily once seared.
Is grilled buffalo shrimp spicy?
Yes, it has a moderate to high heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using milder or hotter buffalo sauces.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, then toss in buffalo sauce after baking.
What side dishes go well with buffalo shrimp?
Try celery sticks, coleslaw, potato salad, grilled corn, or a wedge salad.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Grill just before serving for best results. You can prep the shrimp and buffalo sauce mixture ahead of time.
Do I need to remove the tails?
Leaving the tails on makes for a nice presentation and easy grabbing if served as an appetizer, but you can remove them for tacos or salads.
Are these good for a party?
Absolutely—they’re quick to make, easy to serve, and packed with bold flavor that guests will love.
Conclusion
Grilled buffalo shrimp is a fiery, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress with its bold taste and quick cooking time. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a salad, it brings a spicy twist to your grilling lineup. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-style favorite right at home.
Grilled buffalo shrimp is a bold, spicy, and smoky dish where juicy grilled shrimp are tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or quick weeknight dinners, it’s flavorful, fast, and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
Celery sticks (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Thread shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill.
Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and buffalo sauce.
Remove shrimp from grill and toss in the buffalo sauce mixture to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Optional: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
Notes
Use a grill basket for easier turning if not using skewers.Adjust spiciness by selecting mild or hot buffalo sauce, or add cayenne for more heat.Add lemon zest or honey to the buffalo sauce for extra depth.Great served in tacos, salads, or wraps for a meal upgrade.Grill just before serving for best flavor and texture.
